24 Things To Do On Kangaroo Island

From spending the night in luxury digs to touring the island on a foodie adventure and some of the best wildlife experiences you’ll find anywhere, there’s no end of things to see and do on this magical South Australian island.

Thanks to its rugged good looks, inviting beaches, iconic natural attractions and accommodation with mesmerising views, Kangaroo Island offers a wonderful mix of things to do.

Got a few days up your sleeve? Whether you’re hankering for a relaxing family holiday or an intimate getaway, Kangaroo Island has become one of South Australia’s most coveted destinations and is the place to be.

Book a trip to Kangaroo Island and check out our recommendations, from world-class wineries to wildlife spotting in wide, open spaces.

1. Stay at Hamilton & Dune

Kangaroo Island is scattered with a range of luxury accommodation, from over-the-top pods to bell tents with all the trimmings. Hamilton & Dune is one of Kangaroo Island’s destination digs: choose between the architecturally designed Dune House, a chic, three-bedroom property where no detail has been overlooked, or Hamilton House, a property that can house larger groups but is a little less ‘designer’. It’s definitely one of our top places to stay on Kangaroo Island.

Woman showering in outdoor shower overlooking the ocean at Hamilton & Dune Kangaroo Island.

Shower with a view at Hamilton & Dune. (Image: Sarah Byden & Vinnie Preston)

2. Check out Seal Bay Conservation Park

Wander along the soft sand that makes up Seal Bay Conservation Park and you will come across Australia’s third largest sea lion colony. There are no enclosures on Seal Bay, but there is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that leads down to viewing platforms that jut out over Seal Bay, which has been home to the Australian sea lion population for thousands of years. Take a guided tour or go at your own pace.

Seals lay on the beach at Kangaroo Island's Seal Bay.

Seal Bay Conservation Park is Australia’s third-largest sea lion colony. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

3. Visit the teeny penguins of Penneshaw

Kangaroo Island has its own population of little penguins, who can be seen going about their nightly routine over at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre. Take a penguin-friendly torch and walk carefully and quietly to see the world’s smallest penguin in its natural environment.

Two penguins holding hands at Penneshaw Penguin Centre.

Penguins hold hands too! (Image: Alana Whennen)

4. Dine at Emu Bay Lavender Farm

Emu Bay Lavender Farm features rows of pretty lavender that unfurl down to a rustic farmgate cafe serving homemade lavender scones and lavender ice cream. It also features in our pick of the most beautiful lavender farms around Australia.

Tea and scones with sprigs of lavender at Emu Bay Lavender Farm.

Indulge in some lavender tea and scones. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

After snapping a few selfies amid the purple-hued field, pop inside to procure aromatic body washes, lavender-filled heat pillows and loose-leafed tea. Visit Emu Bay Lavender Farm between mid-September and mid-May to see the fields painted violet.

Lady walks with basket full of lavender at Emu Bay Lavender Farm on Kangaroo Island

Emu Bay Lavender Farm is one of the most beautiful lavender farms in Australia. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

5. Swim with wild dolphins

Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures demonstrates its commitment to the environment by not using bait or propellers during its tours. This is good news for eco-conscious travellers who want to frolic and swim with pods of wild dolphins off the coast of KI. Expect to swim and snorkel with between 20 to 50 wild dolphins at any one time as part of the three-hour Island Explorer Tour. If it’s tours you’re after, we’ve also revealed our top picks for Kangaroo Island tours. Give it a read.

A dolphin jumping out of the water at Kangaroo Island.

Swim with a dolphin on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Chris Bray)

6. Go quad biking

Prefer your adventure activities to be land-based? Whether you’re into hooning through the wilderness on a quad bike, sandboarding dunes at Little Sahara or quietly kayaking through picturesque countryside, the team at Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action will not only look after you but leave you wondering why it is you didn’t take up that particular sport of choice all those years ago.

Family having fun on quad bike at Little Sahara Adventure Centre on Kangaroo Island.

Quad biking on sand dunes is a must. (Image: Megan Crabb)

7. Enjoy Vivonne Bay

The beach near Vivonne Bay General Store is often voted as one of the best in the country. And there is nothing more enticing than ordering a whiting burger from the Vivonne Bay General Store and taking it down to the beach to enjoy with your toes in the sand. Wolfing down a whiting burger is considered somewhat compulsory on Kangaroo Island and the Vivonne Bay General Store is famous for them.

High shot of Vivonne Bay Jetty and the turquoise water around it.

Relax on the Vivonne Bay Jetty. (Image: Mark Elbourne)

8. Invest in the island’s craft beer and gin industry

Kangaroo Island Spirits is Australia’s first craft distillery and the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a tasting tour of wild gin. If you prefer a craft beer, Kangaroo Island Brewery, located just outside Kingscote, serves eight craft beers as well as a decent menu in a relaxed setting. Sunny Sunday afternoon sorted.

Kangaroo Island Brewery worker walks behind bar with rustic scenery.

Kangaroo Island Brewery is the ideal relaxed vibe. (Image: Josie Withers)

9. It’s a notable wine region

Island hop in style around Kangaroo Island onboard the Kangaroo Island Trail Hopper for a hop-on, hop-off tour of key spots around Kingscote, including The Islander Estate Vineyards, where you can pick up a bottle of its award-winning Investor cabernet France. Kangaroo Island Trails also offers a full-day tasting tour that includes a stop at Bay of Shoals Wines. You can also enjoy self-drive the winery trail of Kangaroo Island’s must-visit wineries including Dudley Wines.

Two women drink wine at Gastronomo Enchanted Fig Tree on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island Trails includes lunch at Gastronomo. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. It’s home to the most quintessentially Australian degustation experience

There’s no place better to take an outside table and enjoy some of the finest KI produce at Sunset Food & Wine as you watch the sunset dip into the scorched earth. Add a few kangaroos to the picture and the odd birdsong and you have the degustation meal of a lifetime.

Enjoy the finest Kangaroo Island produce at Sunset Food & Wine. (Image: Elise Cook)

11. There’s no place better to enjoy a road trip

Love to get behind the wheel for an hour or two of outback car karaoke? Amateur chanteuses will be thrilled with the island’s 1,600 kilometres of scenic road – mostly unsealed – snaking its way past soaring cliffs, sand dunes and the ever-present wildlife. It takes two hours and 20 minutes to drive east to west and 45 minutes north to south and yes, you will need a 4WD with powerful brakes (those kangaroos love to hop right out in front of your car).

Kombi Van is parked at Pennington Bay on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island road trips are a must. (Image: Jordan McArthur Mattea Carson)

12. A scenic ferry experience is included

Sure, there are quicker ways to get to Kangaroo Island than taking the SeaLink Ferry from Cape Jervis (around one hour and 40 minutes south of Adelaide), but airlines don’t touch the sides of what the ferry journey across to Penneshaw offers. First, there’s the scenic drive through the Fleurieu Peninsula, and then there are the wonderful people you meet during the crossing. The cherry on top? A post-ferry meal at Millie-Mae’s Pantry, located right by the ferry terminal.

Aerial shot of SeaLink Ferry Terminal on Kangaroo Island.

The scenic SeaLink Ferry is a dream. (Image: Isaac Forman, Serio)

13. Go a-fishing

For die-hard fishing fans, a fishing charter is one of the best ways to experience the waters around Kangaroo Island. Catches can include kingfish, tuna, gummy shark, squid, trevally, and much more. Fishing charters such as Emu Bay Fishing and Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures are on hand to show you all the top fishing spots that only locals know about.

Man and boy fishing at Antechamber Bay on Kangaroo Island.

Fishing on Kangaroo Island is an unforgettable experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

14. You can visit Raptor Domain

This popular island conservation centre continues to thrill with its famous demonstrations of birds of prey. Visitors to Raptor Domain can expect one-hour shows featuring everything from wedge-tailed eagles to kookaburras and owls. While the centre rescues many orphaned, injured and sick birds each year, it is also home to snakes and lizards and creepy crawlies and presents a fang-tastic venom/reptile show.

Owl eating a mouse at Raptor Domain on Kangaroo Island.

Watch an owl demonstration at Raptor Domain. (Image: Tourism Australia)

15. Have a thrilling day with the kids

As well as quad biking and sand tobogganing, the Kangaroo Island Shipwreck Trail can be explored by foot or by water if you’re diving. For a laid-back afternoon out, the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery runs tours around their farm property to learn about the products that are made here.

16. This is the place for food tours

Whether you’re after a quick oyster tour or one that takes up the whole day, Kangaroo Island is still in business. For those who hunger after fresh seafood, The Oyster Farm Shop, located in American River, offers visitors a land-based tour (no trips out to their oyster leases just yet), combined with a shucking demonstration and tastings.

Luxury tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island offers excursions such as the one-day small group or private Fine Flavours tour, which takes in everything from oysters to honey, wine, gin, olives and olive oil, and the three-day private Fished, Farmed and Fermented tour, which invites visitors to connect with the island’s local producers as well as its landscapes and wildlife.

Person holding a handful of fresh unshucked oysters at The Oyster Farm Shop on Kangaroo Island.

Don’t resist a stop at The Oyster Farm Shop. (Image: The Oyster Farm Shop)

17. Penneshaw Market Day

If you happen to be on the island on the first Sunday of the month any time from October to April, be sure to check out Penneshaw Market Day – an event that brings the whole town alive with a selection of regional foods, musical entertainment, community activities and artisan arts and crafts. You can also buy local at Kingscote Farmers & Artisans Market and enjoy a foraged breakfast of sorts.

18. Explore the art of the island

The residents here are a creative bunch, and you can spot the best of Kangaroo Island’s art and jewellery at creative hubs like Kangaroo Island Gallery, KI & Co, A.R. Tells a Story Gallery and Fine Art Kangaroo Island.

Couple looking at artwork at Shep's Studio in Kingscote on Kangaroo Island.

Immerse yourself in the art of the island. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

19. Support local Australian producers

Fill up your car on the island and kit out your rented accommodation with items you’ve purchased from the local supermarket. Head down to Kingscote gift shop and load up on souvenirs before popping in at every artisan enterprise and dropping cash like a Rothschild. Think Fryar’s Free-Range Eggs, D’Estrees Bakery sourdough, Kangaroo Island Fresh Garlic, Kangaroo Island Oats and Kangaroo Island Sea Salt.

Clifford's Honey Farm Honey Wheat Ale bottles with beeswax candle.

Support local on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

20. Get honey-ed up with the island’s bees

KI is famous for its Ligurian bees, who genetically speaking, have not cross-bred with any other species. Sample the fruits of their labour and purchase some Kangaroo Island honey by visiting Kangaroo Island Living Honey, Clifford’s Honey Farm and The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co.

Honey drips off a hive frame at Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co

Taste the famous honey made by the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

21. Have an Instagram-friendly meal

There aren’t many other places to eat more gram friendly than The Fig Tree (formerly Gastronomo: The Enchanted Fig Tree). A sprawling fig tree that dates back over 120 years, this Snelling Beach wilderness eatery offers beautiful surroundings in the soft green leaves of the day or the fairylight-dappled evening. Needless to say, bookings are essential.

Couple dining at Gastronomo: The Enchanted Fig Tree.

You’ll definitely get the Insta shot at The Fig Tree. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

22. Spot a koala

You can get up close with one of Australia’s cutest residents at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary – which is also home to kangaroos, crimson rosellas, Tammar Wallabies, and echidnas – is one of the best places to witness and learn about the regeneration of Kangaroo Island following the the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.

Take a Guided Koala Walk & Bushfire Ecology Tour or a Sunset Noctural Adventure Tour, or book into a beachfront cabin for true immersion in the great outdoors.

Two koalas cuddling in a tree on Kangaroo Island.

There are plenty of opportunities to see a koala. (Image: Jetabout Holidays)

23. Strap on hiking boots for a walk

From Flinders Chase National Park with the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch to the lighthouse in Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island has plenty of sites to ramble along to. Wait patiently for a tell-tale ripple on the Platypus Waterholes Walk, or climb Prospect Hill for the highest views on the island. Or go underground with a tour at Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park.

Take a walk to Cape Willoughby. (Image: Gab Rivera)

Or tackle the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, a 66-kilometre five-day walk, independently or with a licensed operator such as Life’s an Adventure.

24. Beach-hop Kangaroo Island

While beaches like Emu Bay and Vivonne Bay get a big portion of the attention (well-deserved, considering the latter was once voted Australia’s number one beach), there are plenty of other spots on Kangaroo Island to set up your towel as well. Spot dolphins on Snellings Beach, and head through a cave system to get to Stokes Bay.

Couple walking through cave to get to Stokes Bay.

Walk through caves to get to Stokes Bay. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Brown Beach is family friendly with hand barbeque facilities, while the waters of Chapman River offer the chance for a freshwater dip. Fancy a surf? Pennington Bay Beach on the south coast is your best bet to catch some waves while you’re here. Need more? You can check out the entire list of top Kangaroo Island Beaches here.

Take a dip in Chapman River’s fresh water. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

Additional updates written by Kate Bettes

Head to our Kangaroo Island travel guide for more on what to do while you’re on the ground.

When exploring an island that is four times the size of Singapore, it pays to book a tour with locals to see all the sights.

With its clean, bright waters, Mediterranean climate and super-local food scene, a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia is bound to take your breath away.

Cut off from the mainland thousands of years ago, this ‘Galapagos of Australia’ has become a wildlife and nature-lovers paradise. To make the most of the few days you’re here, we’ve lined up some of the top Kangaroo Island tours to do.

Best Kangaroo Island one-day tours

1. SeaLink One-Day Tours

If you only have one day to spend in the area, be smart with your time and book a one-day tour with SeaLink. With the price of the ferry included, SeaLink has a variety of one-day tour options that include Kangaroo Island highlights such as the Seal Bay Conservation Park, the granite sculptures of Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park, Clifford’s Honey Farm Shop and a First Nations expedition with Ngarrindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie. Extend the magic by opting for one of their multi-day tours.

SeaLink’s one-day tours are ideal for the time-poor. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Best Kangaroo Island boat tours

2. KI Marine Adventures

If you’ve ever wanted to swim with wild dolphins, now is your moment. Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures offers tours for eco-conscious visitors to swim with the dolphins that live in the waters around the island. The operators guarantee a chance for you to dive in with dolphins on their three-hour Island Explorer Tour, and you’ll also be keeping an eye out for seals, ospreys and sea eagles.

Dolphins swimming next to Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures boat.

The eco-conscious way to see your favourite marine animals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

KI Marine Adventures aren’t the only ones to rule the seas around the island. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari also offers up some salty adventures. Join its 75-Minute Coastal Safari to get to know the marine wildlife that is found here or go on a two-hour snorkelling safari to swim among long-nosed seals or dolphins. There are also private charters available.

4. Emu Bay Fishing

The sea around Kangaroo Island has got plenty for the experienced fisher, whether you prefer to dangle a line off the jetty or head out by boat. Fishing charters such as Emu Bay Fishing will take you out offshore on half and full-day trips on the hunt for catches like King George whiting, tuna, trevally and snapper.

Emu Bay Fishing charters are perfect for any type of fisherman. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Best Kangaroo Island adventure tours

5. KI Outdoor Action

Rev up for a quad biking adventure with KI Outdoor Action. From quad bike discovery tours (perfect for families who want to get used to riding through the bush) to spending three hours speeding along coastlines and farmlands as part of its Edge of the Earth Adventure, there are levels to suit everyone.

People on quad bikes for Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action.

Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action will get the adrenaline pumping. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

6. Little Sahara

Switch the surfboard for a sandboard over on the huge inland sand dunes of the Little Sahara Adventure Centre. You can also grab a fat bike to cruise, hop onto a guided buggy tour or take a guided walking tour that goes from koala spotting to watching the sunset across the sands as part of golden hour.

Girl carrying bodyboard at Little Sahara adventure centre

Little Sahara is fun for all the family. (Image: Megan Crabb)

Best Kangaroo Island food and wine tours

7. Kangaroo Island Living Honey

Did you know: Kangaroo Island has the only genetically pure population of Ligurian bees left in the world? To see how a working honey farm is operated, head to Kangaroo Island Living Honey and find out just how the honey is extracted from the 250 hives on the property. After seeing the sweet life for yourself, it will be near impossible not to pick up some bee-autiful goodies like beeswax wraps, lip balms, and (of course) honey.

Bees making honey at Kangaroo Island Living Honey.

Kangaroo Island has the only genetically pure population of Ligurian bees left in the world. (Image: Kangaroo Island Living Honey)

8. Kangaroo Island Spirits

It’s not just the bees here who are good at crafting up some sweet nectar – the humans are pretty incredible at it too. Head over to Kangaroo Island Spirits, Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery.

The exterior of Kangaroo Island Spirits distillery.

Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

The spirits here benefit from the one-of-a-kind botanical mix of the area, with resulting tipples such as vodka and limoncello, as well as gin. There are several KI Spirits experiences to be had at their cellar door, including a cocktail masterclass and tasting experience.

The Kangaroo Island Spirits collection of alcohol.

Don’t miss one of the Kangaroo Island Spirits tastings. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

9. Kangaroo Island Trails

If you’re more into the savvy b’s than the G&Ts, Kangaroo Island is also a famous grape-growing area. Hop between the wineries on the Kangaroo Island Trail Hopper, or Kangaroo Island Trails’ half or full-day food and wine tour. You’ll stop off to sample foodie delights at places like Clifford’s Honey, as well as try out the ciders and spirits.

Clifford's Honey Farm honey alcohol pouring

Kangaroo Island Trails will take you to Clifford’s Honey Farm. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Best Kangaroo Island wildlife tours

10. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park tour

It just isn’t a trip to Kangaroo Island without a day out at its Wildlife Park, paying a visit to some of KI’s cutest residents. Book in for a full-day trip that can include wallaby feeding, koala holding, encounters with dingos and seeing a spiky echidna up close. We’ve also put together a guide for the ultimate day out at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

Koala's in the tree at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Spend the day with these furry creatures. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

11. Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitors to Kangaroo Island can also visit Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides a habitat for native Australian animals to live in the wild and remains the best place to see a sustainable population of koalas in the wild.

Tours include a 90-minute Guided Koala Walk & Bush Fire Ecology Tour, which offers a window into the island’s flora and fauna and the abundant species’ response to bushfire. Hanson Bay was devastated by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires and, having moved past the recovery phase, provides an opportunity today for visitors to understand the regenerative effects of fire on the landscape.

People standing in front of a sign with the animals at Hanson Wildlife Sanctuary

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary provides a habitat for native Australian animals to live in the wild.

12. Seal Bay guided tour

The Seal Bay Conservation Park is where you will find Australia’s third-largest seal lion population. While you can watch the colony yawn, stretch, scrap and snuggle from the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk under your own steam, the Seal Bay guided tour ($42 for an adult) means you’ll also make the walk with a guide, who can interpret the sea lion behaviour for you and the rest of the group.

Seal Bay Guided Tour looking at the seals.

The best way to see Seal Bay is on a tour with a guide who can interpret the sea lion behaviour. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

13. Penneshaw Penguin Centre

Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s smallest penguins: Little Penguins. Stop by the Penneshaw Penguin Centre as the sun is going down. You will then follow the guide, and watch the little penguins toddle up the sands with determination, back to their homes; all while being under the fantastically clear night sky and stars of Kangaroo Island.

Penneshaw Penguin Centre Little Penguins on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is home to the world’s smallest penguins. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Milton Wordley)

Best Kangaroo Island luxury tours

14. Kangaroo Island Touring Company

Wild about wildlife? Focused on food? Love local stories? Or all of the above? Kangaroo Island Touring Company offers bespoke private tours tailored to your interests but all underscored by immersive nature-based experiences aimed at getting you to the heart of Kangaroo Island.

Each full-day tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your island accommodation, private touring in a luxe vehicle, local naturalist guide and a gourmet picnic lunch with South Australian wine in a secluded spot.

You’ll end the day with a true sense of place.

An esky in the back of a vehicle on tour with Kangaroo Island Touring Company.

Gourmet experiences await when exploring with Kangaroo Island Touring Company. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

15. Exceptional Kangaroo Island

Exceptional Kangaroo Island has been running luxury small-group and private tours of the island since 1986, appealing to lovers of food, wine and wildlife with a focus on all things sustainable.

Choose between one-day and multi-day tours, with focuses on everything from food and drink to conservation to art and culture to birdwatching.

There are also private tours tailored especially to couples, young families, active explorers and more.

An Exceptional Kangaroo Island tour vehicle drives down a road on Kangaroo Island

Explore the island with long-running tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)